Kolayat - A Sacred Site Known For It's Salvific Power (Travel Date: 12 Dec 2016)

Kolayat

During the tour of Rajasthan our travel manager suggested that while travelling from Bikaner to Jaisalmer we must visit Kolayat. It is a small town roughly 51 km from Bikaner district on National Highway 11 (NH11) to Jaisalmer.

Google Map Screenshot Of Kolayat

Kolayat is a pilgrimage centre of historical importance for Hindus. It is believed that Kapil Muni (Vedic Sage), the advocate of Shankya yoga, was fascinated by the peacefulness of Kolayat. He did tapasya (penance) here for the improvement of the world and shed his body under Peepal Tree (Sacred Fig Tree). Town was originally known as Kpilayatan a Sanskrit name meaning “the place (ayatan) of Kapil”, named after Kapil Muni. These names also appear in the holy scriptures of Puranas. Kolayat has a series of marble temples, sandstone pavilions and 52 Ghats (bathing places) built around a large holy lake (Kapil Sarovar) which as per local beliefs never goes dry. Kapil Muni Temple is most famous among the many temples in Kolayat. It draws lots of local as well as devotees from distant places. On the day of the full moon in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov), thousands of devotees of the Sankhya philosophy gather to take a dip in the holy waters of Lake Kapil Sarovar. The lake is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of devotees. It is believed that a day’s stay at Kolayat is equivalent of spending 10 years at any other holy sacred place. Annual Kolayat Fair is also held in the town in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov). During the Kolayat Fair all the 52 ghats of Kolayat Lake are beautifully decorated. Deep Malika is performed in the evening where devotees float clay lamps in the sacred lake as part of the ritual. A cattle fair, especially for the trading of camels is a part of the festivities.

Kolayat As I Saw

We left the NH11 and moved towards Kolayat through district road. Outskirts of Kolayat is mostly dry and surrounded by stone mines. On both sides of road we could see the mines which were mostly deserted and some still functional, stone fines were being loaded on the trucks. The road was mostly empty with few vehicles moving on it. As we entered the town, we started to see the movement of peoples. After some guidance from local people we reached the IT centre of Kolayat where all the administrative activity of town is done. We moved ahead towards Kapil Sarovar, a lake full of lotus. It is surrounded by sandstone pavilions mostly from all sides barring few locations. Also there are lots of Banyan & Peepal trees around lake. Town is very calm around the lake and one can sit there on the bench for hours without being disturbed. While wondering around the lake we spotted Kingfisher bird sitting on the Banyan tree and fortunately I was able to take a picture of it. There are number of temples around the lake. We went to Panch Mandir. It is adjacent to lake like many others on different sides. Structure of the temple is beautiful mostly made up of red sandstone. There are five small temples inside it, one of them being of Lord Ganesh. Just in front of Panch Mandir is Shiva temple facing towards it and having similar architecture. Among many temples in Kolayat, Kapil Muni temple is most famous one where lot of devotees come daily for darshan. Devotees were taking holy dip in the lake and performing yagnas on the ghats of the lake. They were offering Prasad to all the peoples.   

There is also Gurdwara named Pehli Patshahi in Kolayat just small distance from Kapil Sarovar. It is believed that both Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh visited Kolayat and in their honour gurudwara was built. It is served by a Sikh farmer whose farmhouse-cum-residence is close by. Sikhs from nearby villages and farmhouses assemble here to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Gobind Singh.

Kapil Muni Temple & Kapil Sarovar

Kapil Muni Temple, Kolayat

Panch Mandir, Kolayat

Front View Of Panch Mandir, Kolayat

Shiv Temple, Kolayat

Swing hanging on the tree in Temple Complex

Boat in Sarovar Lake

Kapil Sarovar Full Of Lotus

Flag At The Centre Of Kapil Sarovar

Paviliona and Ghats Around Kapil Sarovar 

The Other End Of The Lake

Happy Bird Among The Lotus

Kingfisher Ready To Say Cheeseee

Roots Of Banyan Tree Kissing The Water 

Another Temple In Town With Colours

Gurudwara Pehli Patshahi, Kolayat

Peacocks On The Outskirts Of Town

Experiences From Professional Life

1.      Start The Work With End in Mind

It’s always good if you start your work with a proper & timely objective in mind. Then you will just have to find a good way to achieve it. If the task is bigger, break it into smaller tasks, smaller targets that can give you clear objective. Take help of your colleagues & peers, have discussion with customers for their need.

2.      Don’t Give Up Till It’s worth

Once you have started a task or project, work hard to complete it. Put all of your efforts into it. There will be times when you won’t know how to go about the project, all efforts will lead to dead end which will make you think whether your efforts for project are worth or not. First thing to popup in mind will be “let’s not do it”. In such situations, take your time to think through, analyse the pros & cons, and then decide the path forward.

3.      Work With More Passion and Less Attachment

In my experience, I have found often that greater passion for getting work done leads to attachment. While passion drives you towards the target, attachment some time clouds the judgement and hence decisions. So try not get too attached to your project but pursue it with higher degree of passion.

4.      Raise The Bar & Work Together

Identify your strengths & make full use of them. Constantly challenge yourself to achieve higher & tougher targets. Work together as a team.  Raise the standards for yourself & others around you. Don’t settle for less.

5.      Share The Knowledge With Everyone

Share your learning with everyone around you and in the process you will learn more. Always seek for more, don’t hesitate to help your colleagues or to take help from them. 

Tryst With Shekhawati Region of Mandawa (Travel Date: 11 Dec 2016)

Mandawa: Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan

While making a plan for Rajasthan Tour I started looking for different attractive tourist spots which will show the heritage, culture and theme of Rajasthan. One such spot among many was Mandawa. It is a small town around 190 km from Jaipur in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and is known for its Havelis (Mansion) that have lavishly painted walls & ceilings. Mandawa is often referred as “Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan”.

It has been a favourite shooting place of Bollywood mostly for songs picturization. Shooting of movies like Love Aaj Kal, Paheli, Jab We Met, Manorama-6 Feet Under, Kachhe Dhaage, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, PK, Shudh Desi Romance, Sooper Se Ooper, Dolly Ki Doli, Zed Plus, Biyabaan, Mirziya, Ae Dil-e-Mushkil & Half Girlfriend was done here. A large portion of Bhajrangi Bhaijaan movie showing Pakistan town  where Salaman Khan along with Nawazuddin & Munni running away from Police was shot in this town.

 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siSXwyXtj)

After finishing all tourist spots of Jaipur, we started for Bikaner on National Highway 11. Our plan was to have a brief stopover in Mandawa & then proceed for Bikaner. Roads in Rajasthan are usually very good, so our ride was smooth. View on either side of the road was full of some strange looking trees standing tall without leaves on open fields used for irrigation. It looked liked that the leaves were chopped off, may be it had to do with water. Our driver suggested that we should go to Mandawa through Fatehpur which is midway between Jaipur & Bikaner in Sikar District. Fatehpur is famous for its Havelis with frecos, bawdis which is typical characteristic of Shekhawati region. Due to time limitatation we did not stop at Fatehpur & directly went to Mandawa. Road between Fatehpur & Mandawa is little bumpy at few places. It took us around 4 hrs to reach Mandawa. We headed directly towards Mandawa fort. We had to ask local people for directions & among them some suggested that they can be our guide at nominal charges to show us Mandawa.

Google Map Of Journey Route To Mandawa & Bikaner

View of Road Side on NH11

Strange Trees On Our Way to Mandawa

Mandawa Fort:

Fort is situated in the middle of the town & has now been converted into Heritage Hotel & is named as Hotel Castle Mandawa. It was founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, son of Shardul Singh in 18^th century. It has now been divided into two half between two brothers. One half of the Fort has been renovated & converted to heritage hotel while other half is in poor condition. Hotel offers guided tour of fort on chargeable basis. Lots of movie songs have been shot here and people go for destination, theme based royal weddings.

We reached the Fort at around 2:00 pm & were greeted by a heard of pigeons enjoying at the parking site in front of the Fort. The first look of the fort itself gives the feeling of medieval times with its turrets. 

First View Of Mandawa Fort

Entrance Gate Of Mandawa Fort

Diwankhana:

The guard at the entrance of the Fort took us inside where we had to buy tickets for our guided tour with inclusion of tea or coffee at the end of the tour (Ticket:Rs.250 /adult). Fort is approached through two gateways mounted with canons. The first or outer courtyard leads to deep verandah beyond which is drawing room. We started with Diwankhana (Durbar Hall), basically a drawing room. It was decorated with family portraits & looked rich with various colourful inscriptions & antiques inside the room. Frescoes & paintings all over the wall & ceiling were adding to the beauty of the room along with the hanging royal chandeliers. Reflection of the sneaking sun rays through the curtains was giving twinkling look to the room. On top portion there were Jharokhas.

Diwankhana of Mandawa Fort

Jharokhas, Chandelier & Portraits of Royal Family

Antique Canon In Front Of Diwankhana

Then we moved to the Internal Courtyard a beautiful green garden, simple quiet place that gives temptation to sit on the grass. Hum Jo Chalne Lage Song from Jab We Met movie was shot in and around of Castle Mandawa. In one of the scene Shahid Kapoor rides on the bicycle with Kareena Kapoor sitting in front, it was shot in internal courtyard. Cutie Pie Song from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil was also shot here. Adjacent to internal courtyard is a beautiful Swimming pool with Jacuzzi & Bar. 

Beautiful Frescoes on Entrance Walls

View Of Internal Courtyard From Left End

One Scene Of Hum Jo Chalne Lage Song from Jab We Met Movie (2007)

View Of Internal Courtyard From Right End 

Rooms on Right Corner Of Garden in Fort Mandawa

Bar In The Garden By The Sides Of Pool

Pigeons Enjoying In The Pool

Open Air Hall For Wedding and Other Functions

Bar Used For Functions, Gala Dinner

Jai Niwas:
After courtyard we went to see the rooms from outside. Exterior of the rooms were filled with the frescoes of stories from Ramayan, Lord Krishna along with cows, Lord Vishnu, Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha. We also saw the courtyard where all the functions were held like weeding, conference, gala dinner, music program, etc. After seeing rooms, we went to see Jai Niwas, Castle’s dining room. Like all other places of the castle this dining hall too has frescoes all over the walls, ceilings & houses antiques like transistors, small cans, furnitures, etc. After dining hall we moved towards terrace through the winding stairways & narrow halls to get a beautiful view of the Mandawa city.  

Guide Explaining About The Outpost With Beautiful Frescoes

Staff Rooms Filled With Frescoes Depicting Ramayan

Vanarsena Building Ram Setu

 Hanuman Flying To Lanka

Antique Lamp On The Wall

Place For Diyas Or Lamps Inside The Wall

Antique Air Cooler

Internal Hall For Small Functions

Jai Niwas - A Dinning Hall

Antique Small Tin Cans

Antique Transistor

Lighting Inside Jai Niwas

View Of Unrestored Portion Of Fort From Terrace Of Renovated Half

View Of Mandawa Town From Fort Mandawa

Terrace Of Mandawa Fort

Sileh Khana:

After getting mesmerized by the medieval look of the fort it was time to move to the last place and end the tour of castle Mandawa i.e. Sileh Khana a coffee shop & bar that allows guests to order from an a-la-carte menu and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in air-conditioned comfort, or on the patio under the desert sky. We had a good cup of coffee on the patio & moved out of Fort to explore the beautiful havelis of Mandawa.

Posing At Sileh Khana

View Of Diwankhana From Sileh Khana

Restored Murals At The Entrance

Sileh Khana A Coffee Shop and Bar

Unrestored Half Of The Fort And Outer Courtyard

Havelis Of Mandawa:

After having enjoyed the uniqueness of castle Mandawa, it was time to explore various havelis of Mandawa town. Town was full of traders in 18^th century & they built all the havelis most of which were deserted in 19^th century. Havelis in this part of the world denoted the social and financial status of the Marwari merchants. We started walking through the small lanes of town, having a random look of various havelis & architecture. Whole town is full of frescoes & murals depicting different life stories from Ramayan, British age, Mughal, Rajputs and daily chores. We were not aware of the routes & locations of different famous havelis. Luckily one local guy came to our rescue & offered to become our guide. He took us to all the famous havelis which are at walking distance from each other one by one.

Homeopathic Hospital In Mandawa Town

At Some Corner Of Mandawa Town 

RD Jhunjhunuwala Haveli: It is famous for its gold leaf painted room on the right side of the main courtyard. It is most beautiful & most visited attraction Family living in the Haveli collects the charge (Rs. 100 / adult) as room visiting fee. The room has a gold painting of Lord Krishna and Gopis all over the walls & ceiling. Under the influence of artificial light the golden brightness of the room is a treat to watch. One corner of the room is full of antiques like gramophone, table, artefacts, earthen pots, etc. Walls of the rooms are embedded with the colourful mirrors that enhance the beauty of the room. 

Outer Wall Of JhunJhunu Haveli

Ticket

Courtyard Of Jhunjhunu Haveli

Gold Leaf Painting Of Lord Krishna With Gopis

Golden Painting On The walls

Golden Frescoes On The Ceiling Of  Jhunjhunwala Haveli

Colourful Mirrors

Frescoes On The Wall

Golden Ceiling With Krishna

Artefacts

Antique Collection in Jhunjhunu Haveli

Radhika Haveli: Now it has been converted to a hotel. Top of the entrance gate of Radhika Haveli have two elephants facing each other with Sun in between. Frescoes on the exterior walls of Haveli have shows British riding on the back of horses, Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Rajputs, Birds, etc. Interior walls are full of Lord Krishna stories. Interior Hall of Haveli has a beautiful Idol of Lord Krishna standing on top of the tables placed on each other as per their size with larger one at the bottom.

Entrance Gate Of Radhika Haveli Hotel

Entrance Of Radhika Haveli Drawing Hall

Rooms Of Radhika Haveli

Krishna In The Center Of Drawing Hall

Toy Bullock Cart

Buddha

Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli: It has been partially renovated and caretaker of this Haveli has put various antiques in the hall so as to attract more tourists. They also sell the antiques to tourists. Wall of the hall is full of painting of kings, British Men & women. Haveli is two storied & has a internal courtyard with all the walls & corners full of murals.

Entrance Of Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli

Internal Courtyard And Rooms Of Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli

Artefacts In Display at Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli

Standing Cat

On The Lanes Of Mandawa

Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli: It is located in the south of town. It was closed when we visited & we could not see it from inside. Tharki Chokro song from movie PK was shot in nt open space between Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli and front of Gulab Rai Haveli. Seen where Amir Khan pulls the pant of Barber was shot in front of the Haveli.

Front Of Gulab rai Ladia Haveli

Gulab rai Ladia Haveli On The Right Of The Lane

Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli: It is located near to Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Murals on the exterior walls have been restored recently.

Restored Murals Of Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli

Unrestored Haveli Next To Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli

Singhasan Haveli: It was formerly known as Goenka Haveli & now a heritage hotel. It has exquisite painted frescoes on its walls, ceiling and courtyard. It belonged to the Marwari merchant who was awarded the title “Raj Bahadur”. Two of three storeys of rooms with jharokas, galleries and the painted walls were built around the inner courtyard.

Singhasan Haveli

The Other Half Of Singhasan Haveli

Murals and Mirror Work Of Singhasan Haveli

Internal Courtyad And Rooms Of Singhasan Haveli

Antique Surahi in Singhasan Haveli

So after spending a beautiful 1.5 hr in Mandawa we started our journey for Bikaner. There was much more to explore in the small town of Mandawa. To do a full justice probably one whole day will do.